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Volvo teases a mid-size EV gap filler with EX60 CGI
Volvo's electric family is growing — at least on screens for now. While the Swedish brand once pledged to be fully electric by the end of the decade, it has since revised that target and now plans to reach roughly 90% electrified sales through a mix of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). That pragmatic pivot leaves room for new models that bridge current lineup gaps, and one likely candidate is the speculative Volvo EX60.
Where EX60 would sit in Volvo's EV range
The current Volvo BEV range spans subcompacts through full-size SUVs and minivans: EX30, EX40, EC40, EX90, ES90, and EM90. There’s a clear hole between the smaller EX/EC trio and the larger EX90/ES90/EM90 models. CGI artist Andrei Avarvarii — known for his detailed virtual renderings — has released an unofficial vision of a Volvo EX60 that would fill that mid-size slot and join the refreshed XC60 as a premium option.
A few highlights from the render-based briefing:
- Expected model year: 2027 (likely previewed in late 2026)
- Platform: Volvo's new SPA3 architecture
- Market aim: premium mid-size electric SUV, above EX30/EX40 in pricing
SPA3, batteries and efficiency
According to the CGI creator's research into Volvo's roadmap, SPA3 is a key enabler for the next generation of Volvo EVs. The platform reportedly supports lighter structural battery packs with higher energy density and more efficient motors — a claimed efficiency of around 93% versus older drive units. If accurate, those improvements would help Volvo compete on real-world range and performance without forcing radical price cuts.
Performance and market positioning
Technical specifics are scarce. Volvo hasn't released official EX60 specs, so the CGI snapshot is speculative design work rather than a factory preview. Still, the likely positioning is clear: the EX60 would target buyers seeking a premium, family-friendly electric SUV with advanced safety tech and Scandinavian design cues, while going toe-to-toe with established rivals.
Primary competitors would include:
- Tesla Model Y (refreshed versions) — a benchmark for price, range, and software
- Premium mid-size EVs from German and Korean premium brands
Why Volvo keeps PHEVs in the mix
Volvo's revised strategy keeps gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains as part of the transition to electrification. The company confirmed plans to reintroduce the XC70 outside China as a long-range PHEV around 2027, featuring a 39.6 kWh battery and an advertised EV range of about 112 miles on the Chinese CLTC cycle. That move underlines Volvo's pragmatic approach: offer meaningful electric range for daily driving while keeping PHEV options for markets where full EV adoption is slower.
"Volvo is balancing ambition with market reality," says an industry analyst. "A 90% electrified lineup gives them flexibility while they scale battery production and software capabilities."
Design expectations and pricing
The EX60 CGI imagines a premium shape — sleeker than an XC but more sophisticated than the compact EX models. If Volvo follows that route, expect a combination of:
- Refined exterior lines with clean Scandinavian detailing
- High-quality interior materials focused on sustainability
- Advanced driver assistance and infotainment tech
Price-wise, render-based speculation suggests the EX60 would sit above the EX30/EX40/EC40, reflecting new battery tech and higher-level features.
Final take
At present, EX60 is an educated guess rather than an official model announcement. But the concept makes sense from a market and product-planning perspective: Volvo needs a strong mid-size electric SUV to complete its portfolio and to challenge market leaders like the Tesla Model Y. Whether the real EX60 mirrors the CGI or brings different technical priorities, the SPA3 platform and improved battery chemistry will set the tone for Volvo's next electric chapter.
Highlights:
- EX60 currently exists only as high-quality CGI work
- Expected to debut as a 2027 model built on SPA3
- Will likely sit between compact EX models and full-size EX90 in price and size
For enthusiasts and buyers tracking Volvo's EV evolution, the EX60 promise is an intriguing signpost: a mid-size, premium Volvo EV could arrive soon, but the final product will depend on Volvo's ongoing choices around platform, battery supply and global EV demand.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
DaNix
Wow didnt expect Volvo to fill a mid-size gap! Render looks classy, Scandinavian minimalism nailed it. If SPA3 gives real world gains this could actually challenge Model Y, hyped
v8rider
Is this even real? The CGI looks slick but Volvo keeping PHEVs makes me doubt they'll launch a pricey EX60. SPA3 sounds promising tho.. price will tell
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